Encyclopedic Dictionary of Bible and Theology

Methodists, Dialectic, Or Romish as they have also been called, flourished near the middle of the 17th century. They were priests of the Church of Rome, who attempted, by ingenious sophistry, to refute the arguments employed against them by the Protestant (Huguenot.) party. Mosheim (Ecclesiastes Hist. vol. iii) arranges these Methodists under two classes. According … Continue reading “Methodists, Dialectic, Or Romish”

Methodists, Camp is a term of reproach which in the days of early Methodism was fastened upon those Methodists in the Western States of North America who, with a view to promote revivals of religion, adopted camp-meetings, at which religious services were conducted. Now that camp-meetings have become popular, in this country the term is … Continue reading “Methodists, Camp”

Methodists a name given in derision at different times to religious persons and parties which have appeared in this country; but which now principally designates the followers of the Rev. John Wesley. The societies raised up by the instrumentality of the Rev. George Whitefield were also called Methodists, and in Wales especially are still known … Continue reading “Methodists”

Methodist Protestant Church A Protestant sect organized in Baltimore in 1830 as a result of a desire to develop sentiment in favor of “the right of the laity to an equal representation with the ministers in the lawmaking bodies of the church”; in accord with the Methodist Episcopal Church in matters of doctrine; in government, … Continue reading “Methodist Protestant Church”

Methodist New Connection (Wesleyan) a body of English Independents which separated from the regular Wesleyans on questions of ecclesiastical polity. I. Origin. The opinion has been held, and is still prevalent in some localities, that the Methodist New Connection had its origin in personal sympathy with Alexander Kilham. Such is not the fact. Most of … Continue reading “Methodist New Connection (Wesleyan)”

Methodist Episcopal Church, The is the official title of the largest body of Methodists in the United States, with branches in different parts of the world. I. Organization.-This title was assumed by the American Methodists as a distinct body at what is historically known as the Christmas Conference, which commenced its session on Friday, Dec. … Continue reading “Methodist Episcopal Church, The”

Methodist Episcopal Church, South Separatist slaveholders from the Methodist Episcopal Church under the leadership of James O. Andrew who organized at Louisville, Kentucky, in May, 1845. It was in agreement with other Methodist bodies in its doctrine, emphasizing especially “the universality of the atonement, the witness of the Spirit, and the possibility of holiness in … Continue reading “Methodist Episcopal Church, South”

Methodist Episcopal Church In Canada The first Canadian Methodist Society, as nearly as can be ascertained, was formed in the township of Augusta, in Upper Canada (now Ontario), in 1778. Its first members were some of the parties who had constituted the first Methodist Society in New York. SEE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. Prominent names were … Continue reading “Methodist Episcopal Church In Canada”

Methodist Episcopal Church Church body organized in the United States, c.1785. It was Arminian in theology, its doctrines set forth in the “Articles of Religion,” Wesley’s published sermons, and his “Notes on the New Testament.” The latter emphasize “belief in the Trinity, the fall of man and his need of repentance, freedom of the will, … Continue reading “Methodist Episcopal Church”

Methodist bodies Originating from a Protestant sect organized under John Wesley, 1744, including all religious bodies which came into existence through the efforts of John and Charles Wesley. They formulated their Articles of Religion from the thirty-nine articles of the Church of England . The Apostles Creed is the only accepted formal creed. The Methodists … Continue reading “Methodist bodies”